Residential Trash Collection Program

Trash collection service is provided to single-family homes in the Urban Services District of Nashville. Residents must place trash in their brown roll-out cart. For more details on the residential trash collection program, please read through the frequently asked questions below or call (615) 880-1000.

Containers

# of Containers Issued Per Service Address

Each service address is issued 1 brown department approved container for refuse disposal at newly constructed homes. Metro no longer issues or replaces more than 2 trash carts for each address. Residents and businesses that currently have more than 2 trash carts will be able to continue their same level of waste collection service, however, will be charged for the collection and disposal fee for waste in additional carts. Additional recycle carts are available at no cost.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cart Fees

Per Metro Code 10.20.110c, in the event a container originally furnished by the department is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, the owner shall replace, at his/her sole cost. The cost for a replacement cart is $46.50. In order to reduce possibility of stolen or lost carts, carts must be put away in a secure location after collection.

Upcoming Material Ban

Yard waste (brush, leaves and grass) must be placed at the curb for Brush Collection. Residents will be able to recycle their cardboard and can request additional recycling carts. Electronic waste must be recycled through at the Household Hazardous Waste facility.

Public Works will provide customers additional recycling carts and monthly collection of recycling at no additional cost.

Holidays

Trash is not collected on New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Any collection day that falls on one of these holidays will be picked up on Saturday of that week.

What does my trash cart look like?

How do I use my trash cart?

Place your bagged trash inside your cart and on your pick-up day, place the cart at the curb or in the alley, 3 feet from any stationary object. Make sure to place the cart so the arrow on the lid opening faces the street or alley.

How do I know what day my trash is collected?

Your trash collection day should be under the lid of your cart. You can also learn your trash collection day by calling (615) 880-1000 or find your trash collection day

Can Metro remind me of my trash, recycling and holiday pick-up days?

Yes. You may sign up for a free e-mail reminder to be notified of your trash, recycling or holiday pick-up days. You can sign up online or by calling (615) 880-1000.

Will I have to pay for my cart?

One 96-gallon cart will be provided to each household in the Urban Services District free of charge, for newly constructed homes. Up to 1 additional trash cart may be purchased for a fee of $46.50 by calling (615) 880-1000.

What is the fee if my trash cart is lost or stolen?

Per Metro Code 10.20.110c, in the event a container originally furnished by the department is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, the owner shall replace, at his/her sole cost. The cost for a replacement cart is $46.50. In order to reduce possibility of stolen or lost carts, carts must be put away in a secure location after collection.

Who qualifies for a back-door waiver?

Residents who have disabilities can apply for a back-door waiver by calling (615) 880-1000.

What happens if I place items outside my trash cart?

All trash must be placed in your brown trash cart for collection. If you have extra trash it can be taken to one of Metro's residential waste and recycling facilities. Trash in bags on the ground or in carts not approved by Metro will not be collected.

How to Use Your Trash Cart

Look under your cart lid for your pick-up day.

On your pick-up day, place your cart on the curb or in the alley with the arrow on the lid pointing toward the street or alley. Your trash will be picked up between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Do not place the cart within 3 feet of any stationary object such as a car, mailbox, utility pole, Curby cart, etc.

Do not place the cart under wires, tree limbs, building overhangs or other items that could be damaged. Please make sure there is 15 feet of clearance.